Textiles for beginners short course

About this course

The course introduces foundational textile design through work on paper and fabric. Participants explore colour mixing, colour schemes, tone, line, texture, positive and negative shapes, and repeated motifs. They use fabric paint, simple blocks for printing, a sewing machine for machine embroidery, and bondaweb with hand stitching for appliqué. Teaching combines demonstrations, sample-based guidance and individual practical work, with further demonstrations where needed. The course also considers the work of contemporary textile artists and makers, and includes some research and extension tasks outside class.

What you'll learn

• Use a sewing machine for machine embroidery
• Apply bondaweb and hand stitch for simple appliqué
• Use fabric paint to create colour, marks and textures on fabric
• Use a view finder to select a composition
• Design with positive, negative and repeated shapes
• Use textile terms including tone, line, texture, positive and negative

Is this course right for you?

The course is intended for people with no previous textile-making experience. Basic sewing-machine use would be helpful, but the course is presented at beginner level. Participants should be able to follow written and spoken instructions, take part in group discussion, and carry out simple measurements and calculations.

• Basic sewing-machine use is helpful but not identified as essential
• Teaching includes demonstrations followed by individual practical work
• Participants are invited to contribute to group discussion
• A small amount of research and extension work takes place outside class

Before you go

• Basic materials, tools and resources are available as part of the course.
• Participants may wish to bring an apron or overalls because fabric dyes and printing materials are used.
• A sketchbook or notebook can be used for notes and storing samples.
• Some research into selected makers and extension tasks is undertaken outside class.